What is the consequence of not exercising proper care and custody of Government property?

The consequence of not exercising proper care and custody of Government property is the establishment of liability for property loss. When individuals fail to protect or manage government property adequately, they can be held financially responsible for any loss, damage, or theft that occurs as a result of their negligence. Liability serves as a critical aspect of property accountability policies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and safeguarding government assets. This ensures that individuals take their responsibilities seriously, as they may face financial repercussions if they do not adhere to established standards for property care and custody.

The other options, while related to property management and accountability, do not accurately reflect the direct consequences associated with a failure to exercise proper care. For instance, the ability to transfer property freely is contingent upon maintaining good standing in terms of accountability, and increased responsibility without accountability would not establish liability. Removal from duty is not a direct financial consequence and typically falls into disciplinary action rather than addressing the issue of property loss accountability.